Fidler in the Hood: Flora MacDonald: There will never be another you…
Prior to the show, there was a minute's heartfelt applause for Liz, who, no doubt, would have said ‘The Show Must Go On!’
THIS week’s greetings are tempered with the sad news of the death of our much-loved Liz Curran, resident and chairman of Residents’ Activities Committee at Margate Retirement Village.
The news hit the community hard and the mood around town is one of sorrow. Your scribe first met Liz some four years back when she was fighting to save popular bingo afternoons for retirees. She had wanted to highlight the issue as she was up against the ‘big boys’ who refused to grant a licence for bingo sessions.
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She didn’t want her name publicly known, so Liz became ‘Flora MacDonald’. She lost her fight with the ‘mafia’, but ploughed on and became an impresario. Since then, she has presented many wonderful music shows at Azalea Hall, as well as the popular Sunday afternoon movie matinees at Ronnie Baker Hall.
It was fitting therefore that Liz’s latest and final show last Saturday night was entitled ‘Some Enchanted Evening’. And what a show too – certainly one of the very best. The packed hall was packed out and the audience was treated to an evening of wonderful music.
Prior to the show, there was a minute’s heartfelt applause for Liz, who, no doubt, would have said ‘The Show Must Go On!’ It was more of a celebration and Liz was with us, even if only in spirit.
Nina Never Knew
Evan Roberts (piano) and the talented trio comprising Samantha Landers, Anthony Downing and cellist Nina Watson, made this an unforgettable evening of quality music.
The audience was definitely enchanted and loved every song presented. Samantha’s rendition of ‘Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina’ was world-class and the lovely Nina played an outstanding ‘Climb Every Mountain’ that had people spell-bound. As someone remarked ‘I never knew how beautiful a cello could sound.’
Liz would have been mighty proud. We will miss you, Curran bun! A memorial service will be held for Liz at Ronnie Baker Hall this coming Friday, August 3, at 10am. All who knew and loved her will be there, no doubt.
For those who attend the Sunday afternoon cinema sessions, the shows will certainly go on. Liz had next lined up ‘My Fair Lady’, starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, one of the all-time great musicals. Details to follow soon.
Sporting Life
Liz’s death overshadowed an already-written story on the recent Sportsmen’s Lunch, organised by Johnny Louch at Margate Bowling Club. The event was to raise funds for repairs after the April storms caused havoc in the area and severe damage to the bowling club. Once more, the event attracted a full house eager to meet and listen to special guests former Springbok rugby coach Ian McIntosh and KZN Dolphins’ cricketer Errol Stewart.
Seated next to Ward 10 DA councillor, George Henderson he pre-empted everything with “Hello, Rob, nice to see you, but there’s no money for repairing potholes or what have you-not, so don’t ask.”
After a great four-course meal organised by the good women of the club, Ian and Errol were in fine form, narrating the life and times of beloved Springboks and Proteas, past and present – the audience was in stitches.
Small world, isn’t it? Ian is originally from Que Que, or Kwekwe, Zimbabwe and your scribe was transferred there for his sins many years ago. Surprisingly, we knew some old faces from many moons ago.
Ian was great company and agreed to keep in touch. Moments like this make you again appreciate why the Hibiscus Coast is such a special place to be. The lunch was a great success, raising quite a tidy sum for the club, thanks to the generosity of local sports-minded businessmen.
Difficult question
The weekend ended with the usual monthly Lions’ quiz, with team ‘PS Squares’ back to their winning ways. Team ‘Chasers’ came second, due to not being able to buy a drink at the bar. The club is awaiting a liquor licence, many months since applying.
The annual German bazaar held at Bethanien Lutheran Church in Izotsha last Saturday was a great occasion, even though, once again, no liquor licence was forthcoming from authorities. Still, the tents were full and everyone enjoyed the delight of seeing our beloved Boks give those All Blacks a bloody nose with a last-minute draw. See you, Rob.
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